P A G E 8
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E
Sampling
Once we reach the target based in EMN guidance, radial-EBUS (rEBUS) is always performed to conrm the target and to assess its relaon to
the bronchial wall (Figure). Once an acceptable rEBUS view is obtained (concentric or eccentric), the bronchoscope is locked in place, and we
start sampling using a transbronchial aspiraon needle to perform 4-5 passes under uoroscopic guidance. During sampling, in case an eccen-
tric rEBUS view is noted, the scope can be oriented towards the target airway as rEBUS can be used to idenfy the locaon of lesion as long
as peripheral visualizaon is maintained. Subsequently, the needle is advanced in the same direcon to puncture through the airway wall and
samples are obtained.
Rapid onsite cytology evaluaon is performed in all cases in our instuon, although the value of this pracce remains to be determined. The
Di Quik smeared needle specimens are reviewed by a pathologist. If an adequate representave specimen is conrmed, we ensure that
more adequate material is obtained for any ancillary tesng including molecular markers; this involves performing extra needle passes (our
molecular laboratory uses cytology smears for comprehensive molecular tesng) and then we proceed with transbronchial forceps biopsies.
If the needle aspiraon is non-diagnosc aer 4- 5 passes, then we use the Auris transbronchial biopsy forceps to perform 4-5 biopsies under
uoroscopic guidance. Touch preps are performed for rapid onsite cytopathology evaluaon. These samples are sent for further histopatho-
logic exam in 10% formalin soluon. Of note, we do not ush the needles with saline unless there is diculty reloading the stylet. If needles
are ushed with saline, then they should be subsequently ushed with air several mes unl the working channel is dried out. This is because
the presence of saline uid in the working channel could compromise the quality of the subsequent Di-Quik smear.
Quality control
Appropriate history and physical examinaon should be performed and the expected diagnosc yield, limitaons, as well as the risk and ben-
ets should be thoroughly discussed with the paent prior to proceeding with RAB. In paents with pacemakers or debrillators, the use of
the electromagnec eld generator may interfere with their funconing, and thus the use of an alternave technology of guided bronchosco-
py or other modalies for biopsy should be considered unl more data proves safety of RAB in this paent populaon.
A careful review of the chest CT scan prior to planning a roboc bronchoscopy is essenal to set up for a successful procedure. Apart from
idenfying the lesion and the adjacent airways, it is also essenal to assess for presence of possible endobronchial lesion, especially in the
distal airways leading to the target lesion. If an endobronchial lesion is noted, a thin exible bronchoscope can be used instead of a using the
expensive RAB scope and tools to achieve the diagnosis. Similarly, the CT and PET/CT should be assessed for mediasnal adenopathy. If nodal
enlargement or involvement is noted or expected, a linear EBUS may suce to provide diagnosis and staging with a lower risk of complica-
ons and precluding the roboc assisted bronchoscopy altogether. On the other hand, if suspicion of nodal involvement is low, the RAB
should be performed rst, before the EBUS-TBNA. This is because we are learning that aer approximately 20 mins of general anesthesia,
certain areas of the lung may become atelectac, making navigaon more dicult and potenally giving false posive rEBUS or cone beam
CT images.
The small roboc scope and a steady sheath provide the ability to navigate to distal airways, but in some paents with radiaon associated
brosis, COPD or tortuous airways, it might be dicult to navigate the roboc bronchoscope into the apical or posterior segments of the right
upper lobe. In these cases, the operator should acknowledge the limitaon, and if repeated aempts are unsuccessful, look for alternave
modalies to achieve the diagnosis rather that risk injury to the airway by persistent maneuvering. The use of saline, in addion to potenally
compromising the quality of the specimens, can also give false posive rEBUS image or cone beam CT images by causing alveolar lling. In
cases with poor airway visualizaon, air insuaon can be used to enhance the view as menoned above. Finally, a post-procedure radiog-
raphy should be performed at the end of the procedure to assess for any complicaons.
Conclusion
RAB oers improved access to the periphery of the lung and stability while working at the target. Aer 18 months of experience with this
technology, we learned several ps for improving planning, navigaon, peripheral airway visualizaon and specimen handling. We trust that
some of these technical aspects can be applied in future studies of RAB with the aim to further improve the inially reported diagnosc yield.
References
1. Gould, ML et al. AJRCCM. 2015;192:1208-14.
2. Murgu, S. BMC Pulmonary Medicine. 2019;19(1);89.
3. Chaddha U et al. BMC Pulmonary Medicine. 2019;19(1);243
4. Chen AC et al. Respiraon. 2020;99:56-61
5. Agrawal A et al. Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2020.
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